[2][3] His premature birth resulted in condition known as Symbrachydactyly which resulted in a congenital amputation of the left hand and affected the left arm's length and motion.

Howell was a competitive swimmer, cross-country runner and triathlete during youth.

[3] At the age of thirteen, he started in triathlon and in 2022 was classified in the PTS5 category allowing him to compete internationally.

[3] Since 2022, he has won Australian and Oceania Championships and has several top five placings in World Triathlon Para Series events.

[5] In 2024, he moved from Victoria to the Gold Coast to be coached by Olympian Brendan Sexton.